B&B La Fonte del Machiavelli

B&B La Fonte del Machiavelli Overview

You know what really caught me off guard about B&B La Fonte del Machiavelli? The name sounds almost intimidatingly grand, but when you actually pull up to Via Scopeti 54, it feels more like discovering a well-kept secret than checking into some formal establishment. I mean, San Casciano in Val di Pesa isn’t exactly on every tourist’s radar – it’s one of those Tuscan hill towns that locals from Florence escape to on weekends, about a 20-minute drive south through those winding roads lined with olive groves.

The building itself has this understated elegance that I honestly wasn’t expecting from the photos online. There’s something about the way the morning light hits the stone facade that makes you want to just sit with your coffee and watch the valley wake up. The owners – and this is the kind of detail that matters when you’re actually staying somewhere – they really know their stuff about the region. Not in that rehearsed tour-guide way, but like they’ll casually mention that the best porchetta truck comes through the main piazza on Thursdays, or that if you’re driving to Greve in Chianti (which you absolutely should), take the back road through Mercatale because it’s prettier and there’s less traffic. The rooms are what you’d call thoughtfully done – not designer-magazine perfect, but comfortable in a way that makes you forget you’re not at home. I actually slept better here than I had in weeks, and I think it’s because everything feels authentic rather than styled. The breakfast situation is honestly worth getting up early for, especially if you can snag a spot on the terrace. They do this thing with local honey and pecorino that sounds simple but somehow tastes like the essence of Tuscany.

What really sets this place apart – and I’ve stayed in plenty of Tuscan B&Bs – is how it manages to feel both peaceful and connected. You’re tucked away enough that you can hear the countryside (cicadas in summer, that particular quiet of rural mornings), but San Casciano’s center is literally a five-minute walk down the hill. There’s a fantastic osteria called Il Convivio right in town where the locals actually eat, and the Saturday market is small but genuine – none of that tourist trap stuff you find closer to Florence. The parking situation is refreshingly straightforward too, which anyone who’s driven in Italy will appreciate. Look, I’m not saying it’s perfect – the WiFi can be spotty in some rooms, and if you’re someone who needs constant action, this might feel too quiet. But if you’re looking for that authentic Tuscan experience without the crowds and inflated prices of the more famous spots, this is exactly the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with Italy in the first place.

B&B La Fonte del Machiavelli Accommodations

Reviews of B&B La Fonte del Machiavelli

• Exceptional – Tetiana from Croatia – 2 July 2025 (10/10)

  All was perfect, the place is amazing, nice breakfast, swimming pool, pretty good location, if you are traveling by car
  
  What could be improved: All was good

• Comfy and relaxing stat – Guglielmo from Italy – 9 June 2025 (8/10)

  Location is amazing
  The garden so well maintained
  Silent
  Comfortable
  Breakfast was just great
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to sat

• Amazing – Joseph from United Kingdom – 9 June 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing location, great host. Perfect stay. We will be back!

• Enchanting experiance❤️ – Olivera from Slovenia – 23 May 2025 (10/10)

  I keep coming back every year for the past 15 years. It still takes my breath away❤️

• They were very willing to adjust and let me check in late, even as my travel plans went totally awry – Kevin from United States – 9 November 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent communication, very accommodating.

• excellent view, excellent coffee and the most important Simone was excellent, 100% coming back here – William from Greece – 19 October 2024 (10/10)

  everything you can't go wrong if you stay here

• Exceptional – Bogdan from Romania – 13 October 2024 (10/10)

  This is the real Toscany experience!!!

• Fantastic stay, couldn’t reccomend enough – Niamh from Italy – 21 September 2024 (10/10)

  Our star here was absolutely fantastic. The room was so clean and fresh and everything smelt beautiful! The bed was so comfortable and the breakfast was great too.

• Beautiful B&B – Judith from United Kingdom – 19 September 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful setting with wonderful views. Interesting building. Great breakfast. Host provided gluten free items at breakfast time.
  
  What could be improved: The road to the b&b is really rough. Be prepared for a bumpy ride.

• reasonably priced and a complete delight – Lesley from United Kingdom – 29 August 2024 (10/10)

  This is a very lovely little B & B in a beautiful spot with fabulous views.
  Even though the room was on the small side , it was completely clean, comfortable with the terrace just outside where we had breakfast overlooking the rolling hills. Excellent shower in the. bathroom too.
  And, the pool is really lovely-cool, refreshing -we had it to ourselves each morning.
  Simone does all he can to help you-he very kindly dropped us at the bus stop to return to Florence as we didnt have a car on this very short trip.
  
  What could be improved: There is nothing that i would wish to fault.

Surroundings

Facilities